Chinese American Democratic Club Withdraws Support for Supervisor Amid Recall Effort
In a significant turn of events, the Chinese American Democratic Club (CADC), one of San Francisco’s oldest political organizations representing Chinese Americans, has decided to withdraw its support for Supervisor Joel Engardio. This decision comes as Engardio faces a recall attempt initiated by constituents dissatisfied with his role in co-sponsoring a measure that successfully closed the Upper Great Highway to vehicular traffic.
Background on the Recall Effort
The closure of the Upper Great Highway, which runs along the Pacific coastline in Engardio’s district, spurred considerable backlash from certain community members. The recall campaign, launched shortly after the November 2024 passing of Proposition K—which closed the highway—reflects the discontent among local residents, particularly those living near the area.
“This vote doesn’t equate to an endorsement of the recall,” stated Josephine Zhao, the club’s president, speaking in Cantonese. She clarified that their action signifies a lack of support for Engardio’s measures to combat the recall. The vote revealed a clear division, with 26 out of 31 voting members opposing Engardio. However, the turnout was notably low, with only 31 of the club’s 79 eligible members participating.
Future Actions of the Club
At this time, the CADC has not committed to a definitive stance on the recall itself. Zhao expressed the importance of gauging member sentiment, stating, “We want to see how far the membership is willing to go” in opposing Engardio.
Some members have voiced concerns that formal support for the recall could hinder future political aspirations within City Hall. Despite these reservations, there is a faction within the club urging for a prompt decision rather than prolonged deliberation.
Engardio’s Response
While Engardio did not address the club’s recent vote directly, he emphasized the importance of politicians being attuned to their constituents’ needs. He referenced continued support from Chinese constituents as expressed in letters to local publications. “Every day, I hear from Chinese constituents who say they appreciate the entirety of my work,” he stated.
Community Impact and Legal Challenges
The event where the CADC voted also featured presentations from proponents and opponents of Engardio. Notably, members wore stickers and displayed signs indicating their support for the recall. Tensions heightened during audience discussions, exemplifying the emotional charge surrounding the topic.
Additionally, the controversy over Proposition K is compounded by a recent lawsuit filed by opponents, alleging that the highway closure bypassed mandatory assessments mandated by the California Environmental Quality Act. Campaign manager Lian Chang for the group “Stand with Joel” noted that the lawsuit may have implications for Proposition K, yet emphasized that recalling Engardio would not alter its outcome.
Historical Context and Club Dynamics
This shift in club support marks a stark change from the 2022 endorsement when the CADC helped propel Engardio into office, where he won by a narrow margin against incumbent Gordon Mar. The relationship has since deteriorated, especially following the closure measure campaign.
A December poll indicated that a substantial 83% of club members favored recalling Engardio, with two-thirds requesting immediate action. Nevertheless, the club has taken a deliberate pacing approach, inviting both Engardio and Sen. Scott Wiener to discuss the issue with club leadership before making any further commitments.
Conclusion
As the recall effort develops, the CADC faces a balancing act: addressing the desires of its members while considering the ramifications of any formal stance. Club members like Selena Chu, who previously supported Engardio, now advocate for the recall due to his handling of the Great Highway situation, stressing the potential political repercussions of their decisions.
Zhao has acknowledged the complexities of the situation, remarking, “Some might say that the CADC taking a stand on issues like this would be political suicide. But if that’s what our members want, we will prioritize that democratic decision first, even if it could affect the club’s political prospects.”
